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NTSB Report
January 15, 1989 · Murphey Vancraft 532 Vancraft 5 · N61LM
Tucson, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 15, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Tucson, AZ
Aircraft
Murphey Vancraft 532 Vancraft 5
Tail Number
N61LM
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX89DUJ03
DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE GYROCOPTER COLLIDED WITH TRANSMISSION WIRES. IT SUBSEQUENTLY COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THE WEATHER AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS CLEAR AND VISIBILITY WAS 50 MILES. NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WAS FOUND. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED 'FINE' AND THAT HE OBSERVED THE GYROCOPTER TO DESCEND JUST BEFORE IMPACT, AS IF THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID CONTACT WITH THE WIRES. ANOTHER WITNESS SAID IT APPEARED THAT THE GYROCOPTER WAS IN LEVEL FLIGHT WHEN IT STRUCK WIRES.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT DURING UNWARRANTED LOW FLIGHT.
Full Narrative
DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE GYROCOPTER COLLIDED WITH TRANSMISSION WIRES. IT SUBSEQUENTLY COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THE WEATHER AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS CLEAR AND VISIBILITY WAS 50 MILES. NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WAS FOUND. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED 'FINE' AND THAT HE OBSERVED THE GYROCOPTER TO DESCEND JUST BEFORE IMPACT, AS IF THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID CONTACT WITH THE WIRES. ANOTHER WITNESS SAID IT APPEARED THAT THE GYROCOPTER WAS IN LEVEL FLIGHT WHEN IT STRUCK WIRES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:04 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMurphey Vancraft 532 Vancraft 5
Tail NumberN61LM
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 532LC · Reciprocating · 64
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6° @ 4 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 19 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC